Rajnath Singh Asks US to Act Against Pro-Khalistan Group SFJ, Says Report
Rajnath Singh, in his meeting with US spy chief Tulsi Gabbard, raised India's concerns over SFJ's activities in the US and urged the US to take stern action against the Khalistani outfit, ANI reported, citing sources.
New Delhi,March 17,2025 : In a key diplomatic gesture, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh brought before US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard India’s concern regarding anti-India activities carried out by the outlawed Khalistani group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) while they met on Monday, sources told ANI.
Meeting in New Delhi during Gabbard’s official visit, Singh called on the US to act forcefully against SFJ, an illegal organization headed by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who is a designated terrorist under India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The discussions come amid heightened tensions surrounding SFJ’s activities, particularly after revelations last year when the US Department of Justice unearthed an alleged plot to assassinate Pannun. The plot was purportedly linked to an individual associated with India’s external intelligence agency, RAW. India has strongly denied any involvement in the case and initiated a high-level investigation into the allegations.
During the talks on Monday, Singh explained India’s deep seated worries about SFJ’s destabilizing activities and how these affected bilateral relations, underlining the imperative for concerted counter-gestures to the influence of the group, particularly in America.
Aside from security issues, Singh and Gabbard touched on India-US defence relations with a focus on improving interoperability, sharing of information, and cooperation in advanced defence technology. Singh also later posted on X, saying,
“Pleased to have met with the US Director of National Intelligence Ms Tulsi Gabbard in New Delhi. We exchanged views on a broad spectrum of issues which range from defence and sharing of information, looking to further strengthen the India-US relationship.”
Gabbard’s visit is the first high-level interaction by a senior official of the Donald Trump administration, again highlighting the strategic significance of India-US cooperation. She also had a one-on-one meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, during which intelligence sharing and security cooperation dominated the agenda.
Her India visit is a part of a larger multi-country tour, visiting Japan, Thailand, and France, as Washington seeks to shore up alliances in strategic areas.
